Even though we share this one with Bolivia, it is another Peruvian beauty. Throughout this post I will call Lake Titicaca by its Spanish name Lago Titicaca because I feel that it sounds better like that. This lake is the highest navigable lake in the world since it is up in the Andes mountains. What I love most about it is its history and legends.

As you may already know, the ancient civilization in Peru were the Incas. Legends say that the people who lived near Lago Titicaca were like savages. The Sun (Inti) god was very concerned for the wellbeing and survival of the people, so he decided

to send them his sons, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo to help the people survive. It is believed that Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo rose from the waters of Lago Titicaca with a golden bar. As husband-and-wife, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo taught the people how to survive. Manco Capac taught the men how to live together as a civilized society and Mama Ocllo taught the women about textiles and domestic labors. As for the golden bar; they had to find a place in their new lands where the bar would sink to found their new empire. After walking for days, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo arrived at a beautiful valley where, by their surprise, the golden bar sunk. That signified fertile lands and the new capital of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu.

 

When Peru and Bolivia gained their independence from Spain, the lake had to be divided since it was in between the two countries. Thankfully, there weren’t as many issues with the division as there were for other ones (Peru-Chile maritime dispute).

 

One of the reasons why tourists visit the Lago Titicaca is because of its textile art of Taquile. These textiles show the beauty of the history of Peru with high quality designs and symbols. Their traditional clothing is very interesting as well. The men wear black pants, a white shirt, and an embroidered belt with all the most significant events of his life. They also wear different hats or chuyos that signify whether they are single or married. The women wear a red cardigan, lots of colorful skirts covered with a larger black skirt, and a dark cloth that covers her face from the sun. The way they make the textiles is intricate and interesting to watch, you can see it here.

Throughout time, the natives started building artificial islands made of totora (a plant) because they were driven away during pre-colonial times. To maintain their families safe, they build small islands for themselves that could be moved to any part of the lake as necessary. Now, each small island is own by a family and most families accept tourists to come and see their ways of living, but some don’t. The islands are usually 15x15m with small houses made out of totora as well.

These are a few interesting things about Lago Titicaca. If you ever get the chance to go visit, take it! It is a beautiful place with lots of history and a rich culture.